Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it! This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. With roasted butternut squash, tender Brussels sprouts, and savory smoked sausage tossed with bow tie pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up while still feeling indulgent. The garlic butter sauce adds richness and ties all the ingredients together beautifully, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those nights when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of pasta and veggies makes it a hit with everyone—from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal. Everything cooks in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
• Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the tastes of autumn with roasted butternut squash and fresh thyme, embracing the season’s bounty.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time and just combine them when you’re ready to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe features simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash:

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 225 g bow tie pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• fresh thyme leaves

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage for a lighter option.
• Try different veggies: Feel free to swap out Brussels sprouts for green beans or kale—whatever you love most!
• Add extra flavor: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
• Change up the pasta shape: Don’t have bow tie pasta? Any short pasta will work wonderfully here!

How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Toss your cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a wonderful caramelized flavor. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

While the squash is roasting, trim and halve your Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper as well. Spread these on another parchment-lined baking sheet (or use the same one after removing the squash) and roast at 200°C for about 20-30 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender inside. This step enhances their earthy flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add your bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well but save some pasta water in case you need it later for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 4: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Slice your smoked sausage into coins and cook until browned on both sides—this adds great depth of flavor! Once done, remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then add butter until melted—it creates that creamy sauce base that holds everything together! Toss in your drained pasta along with some salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for all those roasted goodies! Add in roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves throughout. Gently mix everything together until fully combined. Adjust seasoning if needed—this is where you can make it truly yours!

And there you have it—a delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash that celebrates all things cozy about fall! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking; these simple tips will help you create a delicious autumn meal that your whole family will love!

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh butternut squash and Brussels sprouts not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color to your dish, making it more appealing.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should have a slight bite. This texture holds up better when mixed with the other ingredients and prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of smoked sausage like turkey or chicken. Each type brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste.
• Adjust Seasoning as Needed: After mixing all ingredients, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can bring out the flavors beautifully.
• Make It One-Pot: Keep things simple by using just one skillet for everything. Not only does this save on cleanup time, but it also allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Serving this hearty pasta dish is all about creating an inviting atmosphere that highlights its rich flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top adds a fragrant touch that complements the dish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: While avoiding animal-derived gelatin, you can still offer grated Parmesan for those who enjoy a cheesy finish on their pasta.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce and makes for a comforting side.
• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with seasonal greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta while adding crunch.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized create a lovely contrast in flavor and texture alongside the pasta.

Each of these sides pairs beautifully with the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, making your meal complete and satisfying! Enjoy your cozy dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers to enjoy later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

What is the focus keyphrase for this recipe?

The focus keyphrase is Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite.

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute bow tie pasta with any type of pasta you enjoy, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or lentils. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash! It’s special because it brings together the comforting flavors of fall in a simple, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Try it out and share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!